Dark-spotted cherry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark-spotted cherry |
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Prunus phaeosticta, also known as the dark-spotted cherry, is a type of tree in the Prunus family. This family includes many well-known trees like cherries, plums, and almonds. This specific tree grows naturally in parts of Asia. You can find it in China, including Taiwan, and in Southeast Asian countries. These include far eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
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What's in a Name?
The dark-spotted cherry has several interesting names, especially in Chinese. Some people call it 黑星櫻, which means "black star cherry." Other names are 墨點櫻桃 and 墨点樱桃, both meaning "ink point cherry." It is also known as 腺葉桂櫻, or "gland leaf cherry."
Why "Dark-Spotted"?
The tree gets its common name, "dark-spotted cherry," from a special feature. If you look closely at the underside of its leaves, you will see small dark spots. These spots are actually tiny glands. They are a unique way to identify this tree.
Who Eats Its Fruit?
Like many other cherry trees, Prunus phaeosticta produces fruit. These fruits are a tasty snack for some animals in its native habitat. For example, a type of monkey called the Formosan rock macaque (Macaca cyclopis) enjoys eating the fruit. These monkeys live in Taiwan.
Different Kinds of Dark-Spotted Cherry
Since this tree grows in many different places, it can look a bit different depending on where it is found. Scientists have noticed these small differences. This means there are many known variations or forms of the dark-spotted cherry.
